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Office of Global Engagement

Students Compete in Global Storytelling

November 2, 2017

Students shared their international stories during the third annual Think and Do in 2: Global Storytelling Competition held Wednesday night in Stewart Theatre. Each of the ten competitors had two minutes to speak about their global experiences, from study abroad trips to life as international students at NC State, as a timed slideshow displayed six personal images.

The competitors engaged an audience of nearly 200 attendees with stories of working with refugees in Lebanon, researching tropical plants in Costa Rica, growing up in an Indian village, and more. As part of International Education Month, the event highlighted the diverse intercultural and global connectivity of the university’s student body.

At the conclusion of the storytelling presentations, audience members voted for their favorite participant. Student Body President Jackie Gonzalez emceed the event. After the competition, NC State Global hosted the first annual Global Alumni Reception, where current students, alumni, friends, and guests networked and shared memories of their own cultural experiences.

Congratulations to this year’s winners and to all of the finalists who competed in Think and Do in 2.

Global Storytelling Winner: Mary Long

Presentation Title: “One in Ten Thousand”
International Experience: Study Abroad in England
Major: English Education

First Runner Up: Jonathon Schertz

Presentation Title: “Lebanese Compassion: Refugees and Orphans”
International Experience: International Service Opportunity in Lebanon
Major: Computer Science

Second Runner Up: Sierra Dawson

Presentation Title: “The Colors of China”
International Experience: Study Abroad in China
Major: Meteorology 

Participants:

  • Brianna Jones – “Why Study Abroad Isn’t Always About the Location” – Australia
  • Jordan Feeney – “An Experience to Ignite a Lifestyle” – Italy
  • Kris Petterson – “Tropical Mychorrhizae and Merengue” – Costa Rica
  • Samantha Pace – “An Experience of Firsts” – Czech Republic
  • Vatan Kumar – “From an Indian Village to the Most Powerful City” – India
  • Vinay Kumar Polamarasetty – “Beach, Desert, and Panda” – India
  • Waleed Ahmed – “My Cuban Journal” – Cuba

For more International Education Month events, visit NC State Global’s calendar.